Overview
- The order applies only to new consumer routers made outside the United States, while previously authorized devices can still be sold and used.
- Any foreign-made model now needs conditional FCC approval that forces companies to disclose foreign investors and lay out a plan to shift production to the U.S.
- The Defense Department or Homeland Security can grant device-specific exceptions, yet neither has listed any routers for exemption.
- Most popular home routers are built overseas, with SpaceX’s Starlink router noted as an exception, which could mean higher prices if manufacturing moves stateside.
- Officials say foreign-made routers create supply-chain weak points and severe cyber risks to U.S. infrastructure, while an editorial backing the move frames China as the chief threat.